6 Best Dive Resorts In El Nido, Philippines - Updated 2024

Hazel Ruth
Hazel Ruth 
Updated
| 3 min read

El Nido is a stunningly beautiful destination located on the northern tip of Palawan, one of the most well-known islands in the Philippines. Known for its crystal-clear waters, limestone cliffs, and powder-fine sand, El Nido is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is home to numerous white-sand beaches and is only a short drive from the popular Nacpan Beach. With hidden gems such as Cadlao Lagoon and Small Lagoon, it’s no wonder that El Nido has become a popular destination for travelers from all around the world. To experience the best that the island has to offer, it’s recommended to go swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Diving is another highly recommended activity to do here, allowing you to explore bright coral reefs and diverse marine life. For that, check out the best dive resorts in El Nido, Philippines, where you can both stay and easily explore the water.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to diving spots, equipment, and diver education. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.

1. Cauayan Island Resort and Spa (from USD 700)

Indulge in a stay at the 5-star Cauayan Island Resort and Spa. This resort is home to Cauayan Diving Centre, which boasts over 18 dive sites for divers to explore. The establishment is equipped to handle divers across all levels, from amateur to experienced. Safety will be ensured, as a skilled team of diving instructors will be available to help out those interested in going on a dive or taking a course.

After your strenuous water activities, visit Cauayan Spa for a full-body massage or yoga class. You can also grab a bite at Cauayan Restaurant or the poolside Infinity Bar.

Stayed at this property?

Cauayan Island Resort and Spa

Wifi Available

Address: Cauayan Island, Bacuit Bay, Palawan
14.14 km (8.8 mi) from Shimizu Island

Restaurant Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms

2. El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island (from USD 795)

If you want to spend your vacation in a cove, plan your stay in El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island. You’ll be mere steps from the water here, so sea activities will be aplenty, including cruises and Hobie Cat sailing. Diving is also possible here as long as an instructor is available. Lots of dive courses are offered, from check-out dives to night dives. If you’re on the more experienced side, you can inquire about the Advance Open Water course.

You’re sure to be famished after coming from the ocean, so make sure to replenish yourself at Miniloc Clubhouse. You can also arrange for a picnic right on the shore.

Stayed at this property?

El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Miniloc Island, Palawan
872 meters (0.6 ft) from Shimizu Island

Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Garden Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle

3. El Nido Resorts Lagen Island (from USD 844)

At the 5-star El Nido Resorts Lagen Island, there’s a variety of activities to help you pass the time. Besides kayaking, windsurfing, and island hopping, guests can explore the water on a deeper level. Go scuba diving or check out the other dive courses offered on the property. If your kids are tagging along, the Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) course is the best option, as it will safely teach diving basics to adults and children above 10 years old.

When you’ve had your fill of diving, you can lounge around outdoors and keep an eye out for wildlife such as birds and mammals. You can also go on cave tours or hike a forest trail.

Stayed at this property?

El Nido Resorts Lagen Island

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Bacuit Bay, Palawan
9.18 km (5.8 mi) from Shimizu Island

Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Garden Terrace

4. Dolarog Beach Resort (from USD 140)

For a relaxed trip in El Nido, book a room in Dolarog Beach Resort, located in Sitio Dolarog, Corong-Corong. It boasts a reef teeming with marine life, such as schools of fish, and you can watch these creatures go through the motions by going snorkeling or diving for an additional charge. After, you can relax on the sand on the private beach.

If you’re looking for more sports outside of the water, you can use the badminton, table tennis, and darts equipment provided.

Stayed at this property?

Dolarog Beach Resort

Wifi Available

Address: Sitio Dolarog, Corong-Corong, Palawan
8.66 km (5.4 mi) from Shimizu Island

Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Bar Garden Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Babysitting/child services

El Nido Tour Guide

Rosalyn Capablanca

Rosalyn Capablanca

From Palawan Paradise, greetings! Hello, my fellow nomads! Your guide to Palawan, the Last Frontier, is me, Rosa! I live in a tropical oasis surrounded by luscious flora and blue lakes. Together, let me be your ticket to paradise as we discover Palawan's wonders.Palawan is well known for its breathtaking islands, each with an individual allure. The most well-known locations are Puerto Princesa,... Read more

5. Mahogany Resort & Spa (from USD 181)

Hoping to dive alongside professionals? Mahogany Resort & Spa, paired with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)-certified Palawan Divers, is the best option for you. You can take dive courses with professionals who will ensure your safety no matter your diving experience. For those who are already certified divers, you’ll have over a thousand dives to choose from, including private trips and night dives.

If you need a break from the water, you can hang out in your room equipped with free WiFi. Some rooms also come with terraces that offer either garden or sea views.

Stayed at this property?

Mahogany Resort & Spa

Wifi Available

Address: Corong Corong Beach, Palawan
9.05 km (5.7 mi) from Shimizu Island

Parking Restaurant Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms

6. Buko Beach Resort (from USD 245)

Situated about a 30-minute walk from Corong Corong Beach, Buko Beach Resort is where water lovers can enjoy a plethora of activities. These include canoeing, snorkeling, and fishing. Guests can also partake in tours. However, if you want to see deeper into the water, diving off-site can be arranged for an additional charge.

You’ll make the most of every second of your stay since express check-in and check-out are offered. In addition, all that splashing and diving in the water can take a toll on your muscles. To relax, pamper yourself with a massage. You can get one for your whole body or choose to focus on your most sore muscles.

Stayed at this property?

Buko Beach Resort

Wifi Available

Address: Lot 10, Sitio Lugadia, Barangay Corong Corong, Palawan
8.92 km (5.6 mi) from Shimizu Island

Restaurant Room service Bar Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Fishing

Have fun in Palawan

Explore the depths of El Nido’s beaches by diving into its calm waters. Whether you’re an amateur diver or a skilled one, these dive resorts on the island are sure to offer you a great and safe diving experience.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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